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Full-Text Articles in Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Strengthening Snap And Tanf Is Essential To Support Children In Early Childhood, Colleen Heflin, Michah W. Rothbart, Mattie Mackenzie-Liu Sep 2021

Strengthening Snap And Tanf Is Essential To Support Children In Early Childhood, Colleen Heflin, Michah W. Rothbart, Mattie Mackenzie-Liu

Population Health Research Brief Series

Although early childhood is considered a critical time for investment in a child’s life, the United States lacks many traditional family policy programs like paid family leave and widely subsidized daycare. Instead, the U.S. relies on means-tested programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This brief summarizes findings from a study examining participation in SNAP and TANF in early childhood in Virginia. Findings suggest that strengthening SNAP and TANF would provide significant benefit to Black and Hispanic children and those residing in rural areas.


Food Insecurity Among Military And Veteran Families, Colleen Heflin May 2021

Food Insecurity Among Military And Veteran Families, Colleen Heflin

Population Health Research Brief Series

Food insecurity is a growing U.S. problem among military and veteran families. Data from 2020-21 suggest that between 1 in 5 and 1 in 3 military families experienced food insecurity in the last year: with disabled veterans experiencing even greater risks. This issue brief describes the policy revisions needed to programs such as SNAP, the Social Security Administration’s Disability Insurance Program, and the Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation Program to ensure our military members are food secure.